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 Thursday, 18 March 2010 |
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John Ellis Quartet swamps the Nomad on May 17th |
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Written by Ronaldo Oregano
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Friday, 12 May 2006 |
"It's that mix of North and South, Big Easy and Big Apple, funk and
futuristic sounds that makes Ellisone of the more exciting young
artists to emerge in recent years." -- All About Jazz New York
The John Ellis Quartet, featuring John Ellis on saxophones, Mike Moreno
on guitar, Alan Hampton on bass and Derrek Phillips on drums makes his
Minneapolis debut on May 17at the at the Nomad World Pub at 501 Cedar.
John Ellis, the 32-year old tenor saxophonist who first made a name for
himself on the national music scene as a member of The Charlie Hunter
Trio, will have just released his brand new album, By A Thread, earlier that week on
HYENA Records. This latest release, which follows up last year's
critically acclaimed, One Foot In The Swamp, marks the emergence of
John Ellis as a full-time solo artist, having recently left his post in
Charlie Hunter's group where he was a member for the last five years.
With momentum building behind his own records and tours, Ellis felt it
time to devote full energy to his own music. If the results on By A
Thread are any indicator, the decision was a wise one.
On By A Thread, John Ellis is
joined by a quintet that comprises some of the finest young musicians
in modern jazz, including Aaron Goldberg on piano, Mike Moreno on
guitar, Reuben Rogers on bass and Terreon Gully on drums. Opening the
record with the full-tilt barnburner "Ferris Wheel," Ellis and company
wind their way through nine original compositions that are at once
dynamic and soulful. "Little Giggles," an undoubted album highlight, is
an instant classic, showcasing Ellis' penchant for sweeping melodies
and memorable jazz hooks that find their way into the listener's
sub-conscience. On "Lonnie," Ellis crafts a sly and seductive funk-jazz
number with a bold tenor saxophone lead wrapped around a slithery
groove. It's a stunning example of the range Ellis and his band cover
with aplomb.
John Ellis' previous record, One Foot In The Swamp, was met by critical
acclaim upon its release in 2005. The New York Times declared:
"John Ellis stays true to the idea of the Southern expression in jazz,
from New Orleans funk to folkloric melodies, he has the knack for
writing catchy, fluid, optimistic songs; but he is also fascinated by
the ways musicians can break down structure and create it on the
fly." While The New Orleans Times Picayune raved: "Ellis plays
with a bold statement of purpose staking out his place at the vanguard
of creative jazz." For the North Carolina native and one time New
Orleans resident now living in New York City, the future is indeed
bright. John Ellis is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young
players in modern jazz today.
WHERE:
THE NOMAD
501 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
612-338-6424
WHEN:
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17TH
8:00 PM
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